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PITTSBURGH -- Ervin Santana said "everything" was off when he took the mound Monday. No matter. His Atlanta Braves teammates gave him a six-run lead before he threw a pitch. Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons homered to begin a big first inning, and the Braves beat the sliding Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Monday night for their fourth consecutive victory. The early outburst was enough for Santana, who allowed three solo homers among nine hits in 5 1-3 innings. "I know I didnt have my stuff today, but for me it was one of my best games because I gave up three runs," said Santana (13-6), who improved to 8-1 over his past 10 starts. "Anytime you give up three runs or less, its a good outing. So Ill take it". Pittsburgh has lost six in a row. Starling Marte went deep twice, and Neil Walker added a homer that became the first to reach the Allegheny River beyond right field at PNC Park this season. Relievers Luis Avilan, David Hale and James Russell combined for 3 2-3 hitless innings for Atlanta, which broke a tie with Pittsburgh for third place in the National League wild-card standings. "We went through these tough stretches in April and early May and weve played really good baseball up until this last week," Pirates second baseman Neil Walker said. "Were still the same team." Heyward and Simmons started the game with the Braves fifth set of back-to-back home runs this season, and it got worse from there for Vance Worley (5-3). Chris Johnson and Gerald Laird had run-scoring singles as Atlanta bolted to a 6-0 lead. "I know we didnt score a whole lot the rest of the way," said Heyward, who had had three hits and a sacrifice fly. "But still, thats a lot of pressure for a team to come back against." Worley managed to pitch six innings and was charged with five earned runs. He allowed nine hits, struck out four and walked two. "After (the first inning), I figured it out," Worley said. "It clicked, I was able to drive the ball down in the zone and get the results that I needed." TRAINERS ROOM Braves: During a rehabilitation outing for Triple-A Gwinnett, RHP Shae Simmons (right shoulder strain) did not record an out and was charged with four runs. He walked two and allowed two hits while throwing 21 pitches. Pirates: After taking live batting practice prior to the game, OF Andrew McCutchen (left rib fracture) said he expects to come off the DL on Tuesday. ... SS Jordy Mercer (right forearm tightness) was not in the lineup for the fourth consecutive game. A FIRST AT FIRST The Pirates Pedro Alvarez started at first base in his first career appearance at any spot other than third. Alvarez, whose 25 errors lead the majors, had seven put-outs. His first chance was an errant throw by second baseman Neil Walker that led to two runs being scored. LATE ARRIVAL Because the Braves did not get into Pittsburgh until 3 a.m. Monday morning, manager Fredi Gonzalez elected to rest regulars B.J. Upton and Evan Gattis. BACK-TO-BACK BEGINNING Heywards homer was his third of the season to lead off a game and sixth of his career. According to STATS, Monday was the fifth time the Braves began a game with consecutive home runs. UP NEXT Braves: Tuesday starter RHP Aaron Harang (9-7, 3.51 ERA) has 15 career wins against the Pirates. Pirates: Despite having a 2.36 ERA over 42 innings in seven starts since coming off the DL, LHP Francisco Liriano (3-9, 3.78 ERA) has lost three of five decisions. Hes lost his past two outings. Greedy Williams Browns Jersey . Bilbaos first victory in four rounds lifted it four points clear of Real Sociedad and kept it in command of Spains last Champions League berth for next season. In contrast, Betis was left 11 points from safety after a dismal performance that at times bordered on self-destruction amid some questionable refereeing decisions. Bernie Kosar Youth Jersey . -- Chris Jones and Louisville have done a tremendous job protecting the basketball this season and thats led to easy victories. http://www.brownsauthenticproshop.com/Youth-Myles-Garrett-Jersey/ .The Dallas Cowboys released Sam from the practice squad Tuesday, dropping the rush end as they prepare for several potential reinforcements to return to the defensive line. Sheldrick Redwine Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the New York Rangers winger skated with extras and goalies today. Joe Thomas Womens Jersey . The Mets made the announcement Sunday night. Parnell blew a save on opening day against Washington and the next day it was revealed he had partially torn right elbow ligament.Vancouver, BC (SportsNetwork.com) - Joni Ortios first start of the season was a memorable one, as the 23-year-old netminder shut out the Vancouver Canucks and carried the Calgary Flames to a 1-0 victory -- the clubs first over its Pacific Division rival in nearly two years. Ortio was recalled from Adirondack of the AHL on Friday and gave Jonas Hiller the night off. He was peppered with 36 shots and, with the help of the post on several occasions, denied every one of them. Mikael Backlund provided the game-winning goal on Calgarys first shot. The Flames, who came in 0-3-0 in the new year, had dropped nine straight against the Canucks, their previous win coming on Mar. 3, 2013. Eddie Lack saved all but one of the 23 shots he faced in the loss. It took 5:38 for the Flames to record their first shot, but they made it count. A turnover in the neutral zone resulted in a rush the other way,, and David Jones fed Backlund in front for his fourth goal of the season.dddddddddddd The Canucks had a goal disallowed with 4:29 remaining in the second when it was ruled Henrik Sedin knocked the puck in with a high stick. Vancouver, which did not have a power play the entire game, only recorded eight shots in the third period after keeping Ortio busy with 28 over the first two. The best chance came in the final minute with Lack pulled, but Ortio secured a loose puck in the crease just in time. Game Notes Ortio went 4-4-0 in nine games with Calgary late last season ... Vancouver went 2-3-0 on its five-game homestand ... Flames defenseman Mark Giordano and Canucks forward Radim Vrbata were both named to the All-Star Game on Saturday, while Flames rookie forward Johnny Gaudreau was chosen to participate in the skills competition. ' ' '